BMW 8 Series first generation

BMW 8 Series first generation
Photo: nakhon100 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

The BMW 8 Series first generation (1991–1999): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 11 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: E31 · Sold in: United States and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length–4,780 mm
Width–1,854 mm
Height–1,330–1,341 mm
Wheelbase–2,685 mm
Weights and towing
Kerb weight–1,790–1,975 kg
Seats and space
Luggage space (EPA)283–311 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)2,294 L EPA–
Fuel tank–90 L

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia (en, pl), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

19 complaints for model years 1991–1997. 2 fires · 1 injury

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 11 versions of the BMW 8 Series first generation

United States 8 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
1996–1997(GUZZLER) (FFS), 3MODE 2LKUP · (GUZZLER) (FFS), 3MODE4.4 LPetrol5-speed automaticRear-wheel drive15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA368 g/km
1995–1997(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI), 2MODE 2LKUP · (GUZZLER) (FFS), 2MODE 2LKUP · (GUZZLER) (FFS), 3MODE 2LKUP5.4 LPetrol5-speed automaticRear-wheel drive15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA368 g/km
1995(GUZZLER) (FFS)4.0 LPetrol5-speed automaticRear-wheel drive17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA325 g/km
1995(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI)5.4 LPetrol6-speed manualRear-wheel drive13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA425 g/km
1994(GUZZLER) (FFS)4.0 LPetrol5-speed automaticRear-wheel drive16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA345 g/km
1991–1994(GUZZLER) (FFS), 2MODE · (GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI), 2MODE5.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticRear-wheel drive13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA425 g/km
1994(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI)5.6 LPetrol6-speed manualRear-wheel drive13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA425 g/km
1991–1993(GUZZLER) (FFS) · (GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI)5.0 LPetrol6-speed manualRear-wheel drive13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA425 g/km

Canada 3 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
1996–1997Subcompact4.4 LPetrol5-speed automatic13.4–13.9 L/100 km 5-cycle308–320 g/km
1995–1997Subcompact5.4 LPetrol5-speed automatic16.1 L/100 km 5-cycle370 g/km
1995Subcompact4.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic13.7 L/100 km 5-cycle315 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.